[senchin]

Good Day,

I am trying to find information on the Tiara 42 Open 2005-2006 etc. In addition, I am trying to find some advice on offshore abilities. I plan on doing a 800-1000 mile run occasionally and wondering if this boat can handle this type of offshore run. (Obviously, additional fuel would be required in the cockpit and my speed would not be more than 8-9 knots.) How good is this boat in offshore conditions?

Thanks,

George

[sawdustdad]

I don't have any personal experience with the 42, but I can comment on your idea nonetheless. Boats like the 42 Open are coastal cruisers, suitable for offshore trips and runs to the islands in good weather. They are not bluewater cruisers. They are not comfortable at 8 or 9 knots because they get much of their stability from hydrodynamics on plane. The fact that you are planning to take fuel with you implies that either you are passagemaking or coastal running in an area without fuel. The extra weight of fuel may adversely affect handling, raising the center of gravity and making potentially lethal loose object should things turn nasty. If you will always be close to shore and can tuck into an inlet or river if things get dicey, then you might be ok. If you are considering a long crossing, then this boat is not appropriate for that purpose. Can it be done? Sure, with good planning, and some luck. But it's not the boat I'd pick for that purpose.

[anthem]

My 38 is built like a tank, but I sure would not want to be caught several hundred miles offshore with an additional 5 or 6 thousand pounds of fuel in the cockpit in a big storm! If I wanted to do that kind of cruising, I would buy a Nordhavn.

[senchin]

Hi Sawdust, thanks for your comment. There are three runs that I am looking at. Bermuda to Marsh Island Bahamas (840 miles), Bermuda to British Virgin Islands, (1000 miles), and possibly Bermuda to Cape Hatteras (652 miles). I have friends who do this annually in Bertram 50's and Custom Carolina 50-60' boats. (Each with extra fuel in the cockpit and a good weather window.) Personally, I do not want to buy a 50' boat convertible boat as I prefer the express style of boat etc. so my eyes have been on the express models and subsequently the Express / Open 42. Now with your comment, I am somewhat reluctant to investigate this model. Are you that sure a 42 Open / Express has these poor sea qualities at 8 or 9 knots?

[jongott45]

I have a Tiara 50' for sale that has 900 gallon tanks. Check with Chris for more info.

[sawdustdad]

Senchin, the 42 Open would handle better than a similar size sportfish due to lower center of gravity, but a planing hull boat is not designed to run at 8 or 9 knots. You can do it, but it's not optimal. I'm a little surprised you have friends making these types of passages in such boats. It's quite dangerous.

[Jim Gilly]

If you do decide the 42 Open is for you, regardless of intended use (I don't make runs like the ones you mention) I do have a quite nice, in terms of both options and condition, 42 Open you should consider.